National Schools Quiz On Economics, October

By Stephen Kwabena Effah
Monday, 10 July 2006 (Page 3)

A national quiz on economics is to be introduced by the end of this year for second cycle institutions to promote students’ knowledge of economic issues, says Samuel Nii Noi Ashong, a research fellow of the Centre for Policy Analysis (CEPA).

The programme, a component of CEPA’s capacity building efforts is to enhance students’ grasp of both local and international economic issues at an early age to be able to make informed debates and choices.

Speaking at the outdooring of Project Citizen Ghana, a civic education programme for students and youth groups in Accra, Dr.Ashong said CEPA was preparing towards the commencement of the quiz by October.

Under the theme: “Consolidating Democracy Through Youth Participation”, Project Citizen Ghana was organized by the National Commission for Civic Education and Civitas under the auspices of the United States Centre for Civic Education.

It aims at developing a democratic citizen capable of fully participating in governance with competence, responsibility and commitment for the fundamental values and principles of constitutional democracy.

Dr.Ashong observed that debates on economic issues sometimes lacked depth, saying “a lot of people debate on personalities rather than on the issues.”

He said CEPA would make available reports on the economy to the secondary schools and colleges to give students as well as teachers the opportunity to be abreast of the economy and also enhance their research work.

He said the world now revolves on economics hence the need for all to take the subject seriously.

Touching on the theme, Dr Ashong said democracy does not entail only the opportunity to vote in elections but also to participate actively in governance, adding that it is important for the citizenry to get involved in the democratic process of the country to ensure development.

Dr.Ashong noted that the world has become increasingly knowledge-based and therefore asked the students to concentrate on their studies to gain knowledge, and “once you acquire knowledge, you cannot be a slave to anybody”.

He commended the NCCE, Civitas and the other organizers of the project for making it possible for Ghana to benefit from it.

The chairman of the NCCE, Mr Larry Bimi, said the project which was started about five years ago aims at instilling in the youth the skills and the capacity to determine public policy issues and research on them to achieve goals.

This would make them understand the importance of participatory democracy which is crucial for national development.

He said currently the project is being replicated in Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and other African countries.